So it's no surprise that her passion for helping others achieve is one reason she's been named the 2011 recipient of the Earl C. and Doris F. Helms Excellence in Teaching Endowment at Johnston Community College.

"The students come from such diverse backgrounds and you learn so much from them every day," Rieger said. "Some of the obstacles they have overcome just to get to the college classroom ... it really teaches you a lot about perseverance."

Rieger came to JCC in 2006 as a part-time instructor of basic education and GED classes. A year later, she became the lead instructor of the new Community Spanish Interpreter program.

Rieger has put much into the program. She's written textbooks, developed curriculum and recruited students to consider an interpreting career - all while pursuing her doctorate degree in adult education.

Rieger has managed to grow and retain students in the program, which she attributes to the required service learning component of JCC's interpreting curriculum.

"My students have the opportunity to interpret for multiple agencies throughout the community such as the public schools, child-development services, medical and government offices and law enforcement," she said. "This helps them apply the concepts taught in the classroom to real-life situations."

This fall, Rieger will be tackling a new leadership opportunity as director of Basic Skills programs at JCC.

Dee Dee Daughtry, the college's vice president of instruction, said Rieger is an exceptional instructor who sets the example of excellence in teaching. "Jessica has very high standards of her students, and she truly cares about their success," Daughtry said. "We are very proud of Jessica's achievements with the Community Spanish Interpreter program and know she will do an outstanding job in her new position. She is most deserving of this outstanding teaching award."

"I am very humbled and surprised to receive this award," Rieger said. "There are so many other deserving candidates here at the college, and I am proud to be a part of such an amazing faculty."

Rieger has earned bachelor's degrees in Spanish and international business and a master's degree in adult education.

She lives in Smithfield with her husband and their three children.